Scout Leader Jailed for 8 Years

James Desmond McNamee pleaded guilty to 15 counts of indecent assault and five counts of gross indecency on 11th June 2018.

His offences spanned between 1976 and 1993. McNamee will serve eight years imprisonment, with the final two years to be spent on supervised licence.

His conviction comes at a time of increased scrutiny into historic sexual abuse and the subsequent cover up of such offences in a variety of organisations across the country including the Catholic Church, Childrens’ Homes and the Cadets. In particular, many victims have found the courage to come forward in light of Operation Yewtree, which predominantly investigated claims made against prolific offender Jimmy Saville.

Despite the Scout Association issuing a public apology to victims, the prosecution of Martyn Tucker, a former scoutmaster jailed for twelve years after being found guilty of sexually abuse in the 1960s and 1970s, revealed that the Scout Association knew of abuse allegations but did not inform the police.

During its investigation into Tucker, North Wales Police uncovered an internal file regarding the allegations from the Scout Association’s headquarters, including statements from a number of boys made at the time that had not been passed on to the police.

Following the sentencing of Martyn Tucker in 2014, the association announced plans to review his case. It said the review had concluded that it “should have actively referred the issue to the appropriate statutory authorities”.

The Scout Association said it was “deeply sorry” for anyone hurt by abusers’ actions. It added the safety of young people was its “number one priority”.

Jordans Solicitors represent victims who have suffered abuse whilst members of the Scouts. Where a person abuses their position of trust and commits an act of assault a claim may be possible. We would encourage anyone affected to report their allegations to the Police and contact Jordans to pursue a civil claim. We can be contacted free on 033 0300 1103 or you can request a call back.